When I was asked to coach a volleyball team, I felt happy and excited. I knew coaching wasn’t going to be easy, but I was willing to take on the challenge.

For many weeks, I worked with the Pandoo-Banana Republic volleyball team. The girls learned the different skills, techniques, and strategies that would help them in their offense and defense – spiking, digging, tossing, receiving, serving, blocking. And through it all, they learned about discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

May 19, 2015 – The day of their first official game against the Pandoo Community Club kids arrived.

At around 2:00 PM, we were on our way to the community center. Even though the girls acted calm, they were actually so excited and nervous to meet the Pandoo kids. It amazed me that they knew how to control their feelings at such a young age.

One of the players said, “Girls, we must win the game so we will know if we improved or not. But remember, we are also there to meet the Pandoo kids, so we must be friendly to them, okay?” Hearing those words made me so proud.

Before the game started, the players did warm-ups on their own. They didn’t need me to give orders. They simply did what we’ve always done during our practices. The initiative of the team captain and the rest of the girls was awesome. They really are responsible girls!

“Good luck, girls! Take a deep breath and just enjoy the game. Win or lose, we can learn something from the game. Keep your eye on the ball and don’t let it drop into the court, okay?” I reminded them of these things to give them confidence to play the game.

And with confidence they all played. Because even though the team wasn’t complete, the Pandoo-Banana Republic team still won the game against the Pandoo Community Club kids!

As the coach of the team, I have to say that I am extremely proud of them. Their willingness and eagerness to learn the game challenges me to become the best coach that I can be. The girls have the initiative, energy, confidence, and fighting spirit that you can see in other great volleyball players. I know that I don’t have to worry about the team. They have respect for themselves, the team, and the game.

Together – the Pandoo-Banana Republic girls and I – we will continue to grow, learn, and play. Not just in the game of volleyball, but also in the game of life.